New Properties to Golf Escapes

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to some of the fantastic properties that are new to Golf Escapes. Whether you are looking for something a bit different or just fancy a new resort for a change then check some of these brilliant properties out next time you are thinking about booking a golf break…

First up is the brilliant five-star Crete Golf Club Hotel and is situated at The Crete Golf Club which is a stunning 18-hole championship golf course situated within Hersonissos. There is plenty to do within the local area including Aquaworld Aquarium and Labyrinth Park. The hotel itself also boasts a lovely seasonal outdoor swimming pool as well as a fully-equipped fitness centre and gardens to walk around and explore. Each of the guestrooms boasts all of the amenities you would expect from a hotel of this standard including a flat-screen TV, a spacious ensuite bathroom, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The hotel’s restaurant offers a lovely a la carte breakfast in the mornings and delightful European cuisine for both lunch and dinner. Whether you are travelling with friends or family, this is a lovely and well-appointed hotel which boasts everything that you could need for a very special golf break with an excellent golf course onsite of the resort, brilliant facilities and a great location just over 10 miles from Heraklion International Airport.

Just five minutes’ walk from La Barrosa Beach and offering stunning sea views because of its position sits the lovely four-star Iberostar Royal Andalus. The hotel was renovated last year and there are now six different outdoor swimming pools as well as a range of leisure facilities for you to make the most of during your stay here. There is a brilliant sensations spa, a gym, tennis courts and a fantastic beach club to name just a few facilities. The best thing about this fantastic resort is its onsite Novo Petri Golf Course where you can enjoy a brilliant round of golf. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and boast bright décor, a satellite TV, premium Wi-Fi, a minibar and either a balcony or terrace from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the hotel’s stunning surroundings. At this hotel, you can opt for all-inclusive which is a brilliant option for this hotel as there are two divine restaurants as well as a snack bar which both offer excellent international buffets and a la carte menus to suit guests of all tastes! In high season, there is an extra a la carte restaurant available. If you are looking for a great all-inclusive hotel with brilliant facilities, a superb location and wonderful weather then look no further than the brilliant Iberostar Royal Andalus.

The stunning Dolce Chantilly Hotel is situated just 45 minutes North of Paris and just 25 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport in the heart of the Chantilly Forest. The hotel has recently undergone expansion and there are now 200 modern and well-appointed guestrooms which all boast stunning views of either the golf course or the forest. The hotel’s Donatello Restaurant offers wonderful fine dining and serves delicious food which has been created using locally sourced ingredients. In the mornings, you can enjoy an amazing breakfast at La Veranda where you can enjoy your food whilst looking out across the hotel’s winter garden. Within the clubhouse, you can find the Swing restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere which makes this the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat after your round of golf on the Garden Golf de Chantilly course. If you are looking for a relaxing golf escape with some brilliant golf and a hotel set within lovely surroundings, then look no further than the lovely Dolce Chantilly.

Last, but certainly not least, is the five-star luxurious Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife which is the perfect destination for your next winter sun golf escape. The hotel is set in a quiet area in the South West of the island and is positioned on the outskirts of Costa Adeje in between the brilliant courses of Abama and Golf Costa Adeje. As the resort boasts a beachfront location, you can easily spend most of your time lounging on the beach but there are also three swimming pools as well as a freshwater lagoon to enjoy. There is also an extensive entertainment programme to keep you busy in the evenings with live music and dancing. All of the guestrooms are beautifully decorated and furnished with a private ensuite bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe and complimentary Wi-Fi. If you are more into relaxation, then golf then you can enjoy the hotel’s Rock Spa where you can find an extensive and varied beauty and massage menu as well as a fully-equipped fitness centre. This is a luxurious and fun hotel with plenty to do and see including some excellent golf which makes it the perfect place for you to enjoy your next winter sun golf break…

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that you will consider one of these superb properties for your next golf escape…

The Orizonte Collection

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a blog on the Orizonte Experience and the courses that the Orizonte Collection offers to keen golfers. In the Lisbon area sits the Orizonte Collection courses: Aroeira I and II, Ribagolfe I and II, Quinta do Peru and Santo Estevao. Each of these courses offers golfers something a bit different and the access to all of these brilliant courses is easy from a hotel like the Sesimbra Hotel and Spa where you can find everything you need from a hotel to base your exciting golf escape from…

The Sesimbra Hotel and Spa is a fantastic four-star hotel that boasts an excellent location just two minutes’ walk from the beach. The hotel is situated within the lovely fishing village of Sesimbra where you can find plenty to see, do, eat and drink in this lovely village. There is much to explore including the castle, the fishing harbour and the beach promenade. As the hotel is situated on the beachfront, all of the rooms boast private balconies from which you can enjoy stunning views out across the Atlantic Ocean. All of the rooms are spacious and light with all of the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe and a minibar.

During the day, whilst you are not enjoying a round of golf on one of the fantastic Orizonte Collection golf courses, you can spend time relaxing on the beach, around the pool or in the spa. The spa offers guests a wide range of different health and beauty treatments as well as extensive facilities including a Turkish bath, a sauna, a Tropical shower and a Vertical Hydromassage.

Of course, as you are situated within the lovely village of Sesimbra, you have a variety of great bars and restaurants on your doorstep but the brilliant Aquarius Restaurant within the hotel boasts delicious Portuguese fish and shellfish dishes. The Sesimbra Hotel and Spa is a fantastic hotel and it is no surprise that we recommend this hotel as your base for your next golf escape playing the brilliant Orizonte courses.

Aroeira Golf Resort stretches over 900 acres and boasts two brilliant golf courses. Aroeira I was designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1973, since then the course has gained a brilliant reputation and played host for the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997 as well as other notable events including several Ladies’ European Tour events and the prestigious European Men’s Club Trophy in 2013. The course is not long by any means as it is just over 6,000 yards from the back tees, but it is still tricky due to the narrow, tree-lined fairways and 18 different but equally exciting holes. Aroeira II was designed by Donald Steel to meet European Tour recommendations and opened in 2000. This is a much longer course at over 7,000 yards from the back tees and is made even more challenging due to there being water hazards on no fewer than nine of the holes on the course. Both of the Aroeira courses were carved through heavily wooded and gently undulating terrain and they both offer golfers of any ability a brilliant round of golf.

Ribagolfe I has been previously described as the “Valderrama of Portugal” and proves to be a stern test of golf for those with even the lowest of handicaps. However, those with higher handicaps can play from the more forward tees and have an equally exciting and challenging round of golf. The course measures 7,370 yards from the back tees and plays longer and much tighter than its sibling, Ribagolfe II. Treacherous lakes come into play during the back nine holes and these lakes can damage your scorecard heavily if you are not playing accurately and strategically. Both Ribagolfe I and Ribagolfe II were carved out within a huge cork oak forest. Ribagolfe II is a shorter course than its sibling and was designed by former Ryder Cup player Michael King. The course boasts huge and moderately contoured greens which pose a stern test to golfers of all abilities.

Quinta do Peru boasts a beautiful location as it is framed by the stunning Arrabida Natural Park. The course was designed and crafted by Rocky Roquemore and is considered to be one of the best courses in Continental Europe. The course is set within a pine forest and has the Arrabida Mountains as its backdrop which means that from any point along the course, you can have the fortune to enjoy beautiful views. This course is a serious test of golf from the back tees with its huge American-style bunkers and many water hazards, but its natural beauty can make up for a poor scorecard.

Last, but certainly not least, is the brilliant Santo Estevao course which was designed by Donald Steel and opened for play in 2004. The course is set within the rolling landscape of the Northern Alentejo region and boasts more than 7,000 yards of brilliant golf from the back tees. The course features many strategically placed bunkers and greens which means that the layout of this course will challenge golfers of all abilities but because the land is only gently undulating, you can enjoy the round on foot. Santo Estevao will provide you with a scenic and enjoyable round of golf for most months of the year due to the mild climate here.

 

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are thinking about your next golf escape, remember these brilliant courses as there are very few places where you can go and stay and enjoy so many fantastic golf courses that have such high rankings.

Algarve Special

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to some of the best resorts that the region of the Algarve has to offer anyone looking for a great golf escape. The Algarve is just a short flight away from any of the UK’s major airports and boasts excellent weather for most of the year which makes it an ideal destination for your next golf escape. The Algarve is widely considered to be one of the best golfing destinations in Europe and it isn’t hard to see why. The region boasts many luxurious golfing resorts and so many fantastic golf courses for you to enjoy here. For a golf escape filled with culture, great weather, amazing golf courses and a wonderful resort, look no further than the Algarve…

The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club boasts spacious villas which are fully-fitted with well-equipped kitchens so that you can enjoy the luxury of being able to self-cater or enjoy the brilliant international cuisine that is served at the Vistas Restaurant. Alternatively, you can venture into the brilliant town of Tavira where you can find a wide range of great bars and restaurants to enjoy. You can choose between one, two, three and four-bedroom villas and they are all decorated beautifully in a typically Portuguese style. Within the resort, there is the Veranda where the restaurant and bar are situated. During the day, whilst you are not enjoying a fantastic round of golf on the fantastic Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, you can relax around the pool, take the short drive to the sandy beaches or enjoy the other facilities at the resort which include tennis courts, a fully-equipped gymnasium and spa facilities. The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course at Monte Rei opened in the summer of 2007 and has already earned itself a brilliant reputation. The course is bordered by indigenous trees and plants and features five lakes which means that this course poses a stern but fun challenge of golf. From the minute that you tee off here, the holes just get better and better! If you are looking for a special resort with a very special course, then look no further than the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club and its superb golf course for your next golf break to the Algarve…

The five-star Tivoli Carvoeiro is a spectacular hotel situated just 10 minutes’ walk from the beautiful town of Carvoeiro and boasts everything that you could need or want for your next fantastic golf break including a brilliant golf course on-site and the perfect location. The hotel is perfectly positioned on a cliff top overlooking the Vale Covo Beach. All of the rooms are light and spacious and equipped with everything that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar, a TV and a lovely ensuite bathroom. For those of you looking for a relaxing golf escape, you can enjoy the Tivoli Spa where you can experience a variety of different treatments and relax in a wonderful atmosphere. As you are only 10 minutes’ walk from the lovely town of Carvoeiro, you may choose to enjoy the many different bars and restaurants that you can find there but the hotel’s restaurant is also excellent. The Med Food and Wine serves delicious seafood which is accompanied by divine wines and stunning views of the sea. The hotel offers a wonderful buffet breakfast which is excellent for both cooked dishes and fresh fruits. Whilst staying here, you can enjoy a few rounds on some of the Algarve’s finest courses – Alamos, Morgado and Salgados. The Tivoli Carvoeiro is a true gem of a hotel with first-class service, facilities and a prime location for you to experience the best golf holiday that you possibly could.

Situated just two minutes’ walk from Vale do Lobo Beach and within the exclusive Vale do Lobo estate sits the five-star Dona Filipa Hotel. The Dona Filipa Hotel is arguably one of the finest hotels and golf resorts in the Algarve and is somewhere where you can enjoy first-class levels of service, brilliant golf courses and Vale do Lobo’s plaza which boasts a wide selection of shops and restaurants. If you prefer relaxing in the spa to playing golf, you won’t be disappointed here as many of our packages allow for golf to be swapped for spa access. In the Estetica Spa, you can enjoy a relaxing body massage and enjoy the amenities within it like the sauna. The best thing about staying at the Dona Filipa is the access that our guests have to pre-booking tee times at the brilliant and exclusive San Lorenzo Golf Club. Not only would you have the option for pre-booking tee times at San Lorenzo, but you also can enjoy other golf courses in the area like the excellent Pinheiros Alto. For dinner, we recommend the brilliant Primavera Restaurant which serves extravagant buffets boasting both international and regional delicacies. For your next golf escape to the Algarve, if you are looking for a lovely hotel with excellent service, first-class golfing options and a great location then look no further than the brilliant Dona Filipa Hotel.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are thinking about the location for your next golf holiday, make sure that you consider the Algarve as it has so much to offer both golfers and non-golfers. There has never been a better time to book your golf break to the Algarve as we are including a J. Lindeberg golf shirt with every golf package booked…

Please note that the new shirts are of the JV design which is very forgiving for larger golfers!

Golf on-site

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to some of our excellent resorts that boast brilliant golf courses on-site. This is perfect for when you are looking for a relaxing golf break that doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of your resort to find excellent golf. The beauty of each of these resorts is that they each boast everything that you could possibly want or need in order to have the perfect golf break…

Hotel Alicante Golf is a four-star resort which boasts an excellent location in Playa de San Juan where you can find a great array of bars and restaurants to enjoy and you can even jump on the Tram for 10 minutes and you will find yourself in the city centre of Alicante. During the day, you can enjoy relaxing on the beach which is just 10 minutes’ walk away and there is a free transfer to the beach from the hotel during July and August or you can enjoy relaxing around the outdoor pool. There are many different types of rooms that will suit everyone from double, twins and family rooms and suites so that whoever you are travelling with, you will be well catered for and comfortable. With Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a large outdoor swimming pool, many different restaurants and bars, a gym, a Wellness Centre and an indoor swimming pool as well as the fantastic 18-hole golf course on-site, it is no surprise that we recommend this resort for your next stay and play golf escape.

Alicante Golf Club was designed by Steve Ballesteros and consists of six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s which means that there is a real variety in layout as well as length for each hole. Since the course opened in 1998, there have been additions to the course in the way of artificial lakes and rivers which have increased the difficulty of the course. The course isn’t overly difficult but isn’t an easy round of golf by any stretch of the imagination and you must play strategically if you hope to leave with a good scorecard!

Roda Golf is situated in Murcia and can offer you a large selection of apartments and villas to rent and all of the accommodation is within walking distance of the resort’s fantastic 18-hole golf course. Whilst you are staying here, you have access to the pools which are situated around the apartments and you are only just over one kilometre from Mar Menor Beach. All of the apartments are well-equipped with a fully-fitted kitchen and a seating area with a TV as well as a balcony or terrace. There is a huge, luxurious clubhouse which boasts free Wi-Fi, an award-winning restaurant and a bar. Just five minutes away is Los Alcazares where you can find a supermarket, bars and restaurants.

Roda Golf Course is just a few minutes’ walk from any of the apartments and villas within the resort and was designed by Dave Thomas. The course is challenging with many water and sand hazards but there is no heavy rough and there are very few trees for you to watch out for which makes this a nice holiday golf course for golfers of all abilities. This is a brilliant resort with everything that you could need in order to have the perfect golf escape…

Fairplay Golf and Spa Resort is located in southern Andalusia in the centre of Cadiz and was designed to look like a small white Andalusian town with narrow streets and squares. You can enjoy the outdoor swimming pools, the comprehensive spa facility as well as the fitness centre, tennis courts and the brilliant 18-hole golf course on-site. There are three a la carte restaurants onsite which serve everything from traditional Mediterranean dishes to international cuisine. If you are looking for a tranquil location in which to enjoy a lovely resort and all it has to offer as well as the lovely town of Cadiz, then look no further than the Fairplay Golf and Spa Resort for your next golf escape.

Fairplay Golf Club was designed by Baron Paul Rolin and is a beautiful parkland course which stretches just over 6,000 metres and is situated within a lovely and tranquil area in the town of Cadiz. The course was built within a forested area and boasts many water hazards which will add an element of challenge to your round here. The course boasts lovely, wide fairways and large greens which means that it is an idyllic holiday course which is suitable for golfers of all abilities. From the course, you can enjoy beautiful views of La Janda valley, the Los Alcornocales national park and on a clear day, you can even see the coast of Africa.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that if you are looking for your ideal stay-and-play golf escape in Spain, look no further than one of these three special resorts and their fantastic 18-hole golf courses to enjoy…

Lisbon Special

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is dedicated to the fantastic region of Lisbon and its brilliant golf. The region of Lisbon is the perfect destination for your next golf escape for many reasons. There is a vibrant culture and rich history for you to soak up, both within the city of Lisbon and its surrounding towns and villages.

Lisbon City is just a short flight away from any of the UK’s major airports which makes it easily accessible whether you are looking to go away for a week or two or just for the weekend. There are numerous golf courses to be enjoyed within the Lisbon area. The city of Lisbon is a great holiday destination with history, culture, great nightlife and many brilliant golf courses within close proximity of the city to enjoy such as Lisbon Sports Club and Belas.

Many of the courses in the Lisbon region are concentrated in the Estoril, Sintra, Cascais triangles on the coast to the north-west of Lisbon and there are many other brilliant courses situated to the south of Lisbon on the Costa Azul. Alternatively, you can travel an hour north of Lisbon to the fantastic Praia d’el Rey resort and Royal Obidos.

Upon arriving in Lisbon for your great golf escape, we recommend that you travel just 20 minutes outside of the city to the fantastic Lisbon Sports Club. The Lisbon Sports Club course is a brilliant 18-hole parkland course which was designed by Hawtree and Sons and serves as a brilliant way to unwind and relax straight from the plane as this is a short course as at only 5,278 metres off the back tees so suitable for a great warm-up round and for those who prefer the easy life! The 18-hole circuit is one of the most original in the whole country with an interesting layout of holes situated nested in a valley with a rich and beautiful forest biodiversity and an impressive brook which runs throughout 12 of the 18 holes and can pose a hazard to those with higher handicaps. If you are looking for a great warm-up course with a beautiful and natural setting, then you definitely could not be disappointed with Lisbon Sports Club’s course just 20 minutes’ drive from the airport and bustling city of Lisbon.

Just 30 minutes’ drive south from Lisbon is the four-star Montado Hotel and Golf Resort which boasts an impressive 18-hole golf course as well as seven different golf courses in the area which are all less than 30 minutes’ drive from the hotel. The resort is situated within a tranquil location and is surrounded by the region’s best vineyards just 15 minutes’ drive from the historic city of Setubal. Whilst you are not enjoying a round of golf on the lovely Montado golf course or on one of the other golf courses in the area, you can relax within the hotel’s spa which offers a large indoor pool as well as an extensive treatment list for you to choose from. The hotel’s restaurant offers a brilliant menu which is full of both regional and international dishes, alternatively, you can enjoy a light meal and a few drinks at the Pitch and Putt bar. This is a brilliant resort in a lovely location which serves as great access to the spectacular golf courses that are situated in the local area. 

One of the superb golf clubs in the local area of Montado Hotel and Golf Resort is Ribagolfe Golf Club. There are two excellent 18-hole courses situated at the club and both offer an interesting and challenging round of golf. Both of the Ribagolfe courses are laid out within a huge cork oak forest and so boasts lovely surroundings.

Ribagolfe I is a long and challenging course at 7,370 yards from the back tees but can be played by golfers with higher handicaps from the forward tees. This is the more challenging of the two courses as it plays both longer and tighter than Ribagolfe II. The course’s fairways are very narrow which means that any wayward shots will not be forgiven. During the back nine of the course, you have to navigate your ball around and over the treacherous lakes. This course boasts a top-class layout with 18 memorable holes and each of the holes poses a stern challenge to golfers of all abilities – a brilliant addition to any golf escape to Lisbon.

The second course at Ribagolfe, Ribagolfe II opened for play in 2004 and is also routed through cork oak and poses a fair challenge to golfers of all abilities. The course is shorter, and the fairways are more open on this course which can make the round a little easier, despite the fact that there is more water in play than on Ribagolfe I. This is another brilliant warm-up course that you could enjoy when on a golf break to Lisbon before taking on the stern challenge of Ribagolfe I…

If you are looking for a more resort-feel golf course, then look no further than Montado which is a Florida-style course, flat with many water and sand hazards. Although the course is entirely flat, it has a very interesting layout with several dog-leg holes to contend with. The 18th hole is of particular note as the green is situated on an island which can sometimes be tricky to reach. It is no surprise that this is an up-and-coming course which is now included on most golfer’s itinerary for a fantastic golf break to Lisbon.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and next time you are looking to have a long weekend somewhere great with excellent golf, keep Lisbon in your mind as you are sure to have a great golf trip with excellent courses, quick flights and beautiful accommodation.

Preview of the 2018 Open Championship

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a preview of The Open which starts in just a few days’ time on the 15th and lasts for a week. During this week, you will see the greatest players of the game take on the fantastic Carnoustie Championship course which is a brilliant and challenging seaside Links course situated in Scotland.

Carnoustie Championship course is a long, natural seaside links, which is widely considered to be one of the world’s most difficult and challenging golf courses and it isn’t hard to see why. The course arguably boasts one of the most challenging but impressive back nines in championship golf and specifically, the finishing holes are impressively difficult. The course has held The Open seven times previously and it isn’t surprising that it has been chosen to host the event again this year as it gives spectators a great game of golf to watch whilst the best golfers in the world struggle to contend with Carnoustie’s many challenges.

 

During the closing two holes, golfers must navigate their ball over the snaking burn no less than five times and in addition to the burn, Carnoustie boasts some formidable bunkers which are both cavernous and in abundance throughout the course. These bunkers can be seen in action on the par-five 6th hole which is widely regarded as one of the world’s best holes and was named after Ben Hogan who was the Open Championship winner in 1953. Golfers must navigate their way around the two fearsome looking bunkers which lie in wait in the middle of the fairway with a third bunker to the right-hand side making sure that the tee shot is a daunting one.

The 15th, 16th and 17th holes are arguably three of golf’s best closing holes. The 15th is a 460-yard par four in which the fairway slopes from left to right into the path of two waiting bunkers and your approach shot must avoid a cluster of bunkers which are positioned just to the right of the green. The 16th hole is a long par three which has many challenges besides its length for golfers to contend with. The 17th hole is very difficult as the Burn snakes in front of the tee and then loops back to cut across the fairway which can be made especially tricky when the wind is blowing…

 

Carnoustie is a very tough course to which everyone (including professionals) must bring their “A game” to if they are to walk away with a pleasant scorecard and especially so if they are looking to get their hands on the Claret Jug come the 22nd of July.

Last year at Royal Birkdale, we saw Jordan Spieth show resilience and skill in order to bounce back from the poor start that he made during his final round in order to secure his victory and claim the Claret Jug for the first time. Spieth has had a fantastic few years of golf and is one of the most successful young players that the game has ever seen as in 2015, he won both The Masters and US Open. He has had two runner-up finishes at Augusta and this April, finished 3rd, there is no denying that Spieth has a good chance of making this is the second year running with the Claret Jug.

 

There are some fantastic players that will be taking on the impressive Carnoustie Championship course and many that have the talent and grit in order to secure a victory and lift the Claret Jug so here are a few of the golfers that we should be looking out for…

 

Rory McIlroy may not have performed very well at the US Open or the Players Championship but showed an improvement in his game during the weekend at the Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open which may have given him some important confidence ahead of The Open.

 

Justin Rose is certainly another player to watch as a home favourite as many believe that it is now time for him to take his place as a multiple major champion after his spectacular display winning the Olympic golf in Rio in 2016 and becoming the US Open champion in 2013.

 

Not surprisingly, Dustin Johnson, who is the world number one again and who has had a very consistent year so far is one that we should all keep an eye on as it seems time for the world number one to add another major win to his 2016 US Open triumph.

 

Someone who has had an impressive 2018 already with two wins is Jon Rahm who is destined to win a maiden major championship soon and there is no reason as to why it could not be The Open where he gets the chance to lift the tournament trophy with his current level of play.

 

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that with all the excitement of the World Cup, you can take some time to watch some of golf’s greatest players take on the fantastic Carnoustie Championship course in a few days’ time…

Escape Differently…

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is about three brilliant resorts that will offer you an amazing but different golf escape. With the English weather being as beautiful as it is at the moment, you may want to start thinking about making sure that you can get some more sunshine when this weather inevitably finishes and there is no better way to do so than with a great golf break somewhere beautiful…

Situated in the centre of the beautiful city of Murcia is the lovely, four-star TRYP Murcia Rincon de Pepe. This is a brilliant, modern hotel which offers everything that you could possibly want or need in order to have a brilliant golf holiday to Spain. The hotel boasts such a fantastic location as you are in a prime location to explore the city but you are also nearby to some brilliant golf courses which include Golf Altorreal, Lorca Golf Course and Hacienda del Alamo. Each of the guestrooms is decorated with modern décor and boasts all of the necessities including a flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar and a stylish ensuite bathroom. During the day, you can spend time exploring the historic Spanish city of Murcia, enjoy some of the world-class golf courses nearby, venture into the Gran Casino Murcia or workout in the hotel’s fitness centre. Although you are situated in the centre of the city where there is an abundance of brilliant bars and restaurants, you can also stay in the hotel and try one of its two restaurants. The Rincon de Pepe Restaurant boasts a classic style whilst the La Barra del Rincon Restaurant is more informal and serves lovely Spanish tapas which you can enjoy outside on the terrace. With brilliant golf, a superb location within a beautiful city and so many great things to do and see, it is no surprise that we highly recommend the TRYP Murcia Rincon de Pepe if you are looking for a brilliant but alternative golf escape…

The four-star Acaya Golf Resort and Spa boasts an idyllic location nestled in the heart of the stunning Italian countryside where you feel like you are isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world but in reality, you are just 20 minutes’ drive from the historical centre of Lecce and just five minutes’ drive from the stunning coastline of Southern Italy.  The superb Acaya Golf Club boasts 18 brilliant holes of golf and is situated onsite of the resort which means that great golf truly is at your fingertips here. After a round of golf, you can enjoy relaxing around one of the two outdoor swimming pools or enjoy the extensive spa facilities within the resort. Each of the guest rooms is beautifully decorated and all of the rooms boast lovely views of either the golf course, the gardens of the Puglia countryside. Within the rooms, you can find all of the modern essentials including a satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and a well-stocked minibar! In the town of Lecce, you can find an array of authentic bars and restaurants to enjoy and as the town is just 20 minutes’ drive away, we highly recommend that you take the time to explore! Although, if you stay within the resort for your meals, you certainly won’t be disappointed as the hotel boasts the fantastic Gian Giacomo Restaurant which boasts a wide range of fine cuisine which is created using the region’s fresh and local ingredients. With excellent golf on-site, the beach within a five-minute drive, two outdoor pools, extensive spa facilities and a stunning historic town just 20 minutes’ drive away, you can’t really beat this beautiful resort for your next golf holiday to Italy.

Last, but certainly not least, is the five-star Fairplay Golf and Spa Resort which is located in the centre of Cadiz in Southern Andalusia where you can find some of the best beaches on the Atlantic coast. The resort is designed as a small white Andalusian town with narrow streets and squares which makes this a perfect and tranquil resort for you to enjoy your next golf break within. You can enjoy everything that the resort has to offer including outdoor swimming pools, extensive spa facilities, a fitness centre, tennis courts and most importantly, a spectacular golf course on site. Within the resort, there are three different a la carte restaurant. La Atalaya serves delicious Mediterranean food, Los Acebuches offers a lovely buffet and Mar de Campo boasts local products and modern cuisine for you to enjoy. Alternatively, you can enjoy light bites at the poolside brasserie and Club House snack bar. There are four different bars available for guests within the resort. If you are looking for a lovely resort with all of the facilities and amenities that you could possibly want or need to enjoy a five-star golf break, then look no further than the Fairplay Golf and Spa Resort in Cadiz…

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are considering booking your next golf escape, take a look at these three excellent options for a lovely golf break…

Quinta do Lago, Algarve

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a review of the brilliant resort of Quinta do Lago which is the perfect destination for a luxurious and relaxing golf escape. Within the area, there are six brilliant golf courses, tennis centres, a long and beautiful sandy beach which stretches past Vilamoura as well as an excellent selection of great bars and restaurants. With everything that you could possibly want or need for a great golf escape then look no further than a golf break at one of the hotels within this brilliant resort…

The five-star Conrad Algarve offers world-class service and great facilities including a lovely infinity pool which blends with the Atlantic. Each of the rooms within the hotel boasts a contemporary design and all of the facilities and amenities that you could want or need including free Wi-F, a flat-screen TV and lovely marble bathrooms. There are three restaurants and three bars within the hotel’s grounds which includes a lovely Portuguese restaurant. In the evening, make sure that you enjoy a few drinks out on the pool decking. Whilst you are not relaxing around the pool or enjoying the Quinta do Lago resort including the beach, you can enjoy the spa which boasts a relaxing sauna and an indoor pool. This is a spectacular five-star hotel with easy access to the two fantastic Quinta do Lago golf courses and is one that is perfect for your next golf break to the Quinta do Lago resort.

Another special hotel within the Quinta do Lago resort is the Formosa Park Hotel which is an all-suite hotel situated just five minutes’ walk from one of the Algarve’s finest beaches, Ancao beach. The hotel boasts a lovely outdoor pool area, a garden and a terrace where you can enjoy a few drinks in the evening. Although the hotel is situated a little further out from the resort in a lovely, quiet location, you can access a great group of restaurants just five minutes’ drive from the hotel. The units are all self-contained and beautifully appointed with bright furnishing and you can use the hotel facilities on site which means that you get the best of both worlds whilst staying here! If you are looking for a great place to stay with lovely apartments, a wonderful beach and an airport less than six miles away then look no further than the excellent Formosa Park Hotel.

The Monte Da Quinta Suites are situated within the Quinta do Lago estate and boasts one, two and three-bedroom suites which are all fully-fitted with the highest levels of comfort and furnishing. The suites are fitted with everything that you could need including flat-screen televisions and fully-equipped kitchens. Whilst you are not exploring the resort and enjoying the local golf courses, you can relax by the huge outdoor pool or even walk through the pine forests to the beach. These are lovely apartments with boast everything that you could need for a lovely golf escape to the Quinta do Lago resort…

The final hotel within the Quinta do Lago resort is the Magnolia Hotel which is a modern and contemporary hotel which boasts a lovely outdoor pool as well as other facilities and it is just 2.5 miles from the lovely Garrao Beach. Each of the rooms within the hotel is decorated with a modern and contemporary design and is equipped with everything that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including air-conditioning, a satellite TV and a private balcony from which you can enjoy lovely views of the hotel’s surroundings. If you are not out enjoying the restaurants and bars situated within the Quinta do Lag resort, then you can enjoy the hotel’s on-site restaurant which boasts a hint of beer in every dish and the hotel’s lounge bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a craft beer or two! This is another brilliant choice for your next golf break to the fantastic Quinta do Lago resort…

Of course, not everything is about the hotels, especially when what you are looking for is a very special golf escape. The golf in and around the Quinta do Lago resort will not disappoint as the local courses include the three Quinta do Lago courses (North, South and Laranjal) as well as Pinheiros Altos and San Lorenzo Golf Club.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that when you are thinking about where you would like to enjoy your next luxurious golf holiday then you will remember the great hotels and the golf courses which are all situated in the brilliant resort of Quinta do Lago…

5* Favourites

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to our five-star favourites. If you are looking for that extra bit of luxury for your next golf escape, then look no further than one of these fantastic hotels. Each of these properties offers excellent golf, a superb location, brilliant service and all of the facilities and amenities that you could possibly need for a fantastic golf trip.

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is a fantastic resort set in a charming and beautiful area of Greece which boasts all of the facilities and amenities that you could possibly want or need for a superb golf break including two excellent golf courses and easy access to a stunning beach. You are set just a five-minute walk from the Dunes Beach where you can relax but there are also several brilliant pool areas for guests to enjoy as well. If you are looking for somewhere that offers you the utmost luxury, then this is a great resort for you as you can relax further by treating yourself to signature treatments at the Anazoe Spa or enjoying the spa’s sauna. No matter who you are travelling with, there will be something for everyone to do with the resort’s extensive facilities and more importantly, there will be something for everyone to eat and drink. The resort boasts over ten restaurants and bars which serve mouth-watering cuisine from traditional Greek food to Internationally themed restaurants. At one of the three bars and lounges, you can enjoy a signature cocktail or two…Each of the hotel’s guestrooms is decorated with contemporary furniture and light wood and they all boast a private balcony from which you can enjoy views of the resorts’ olive groves and landscaped gardens. From the resort, you can easily explore some brilliant UNESCO World Heritage List sites including Olympia, Mystras and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius. When you are thinking about the destination for your next golf escape look no further than The Westin Resort in Costa Navarino and its two brilliant golf courses…

Next up, we have the superb Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf and Spa which boasts an idyllic location situated in the heart of the sophisticated resort of Estoril and just four minutes’ walk from the beautiful beach. The resort boasts everything that you could want and more with its five-star accommodation, brilliant casino, a spa and wellness centre and a year-round outdoor pool. During the days, spend time relaxing on the beach, by the pool or in the Banyan Tree spa where you can treat yourself to some luxurious treatments and relax in the dynamic pool. Each of the guestrooms is decorated slightly different but exudes elegance and charm, much like all of the public areas. Each of the rooms is fitted with a seating area as well as all of the facilities and amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. Enjoy both continental and oriental buffet breakfast options as well as dinner in the fantastic restaurant which serves delicious European cuisine. If you are looking for a hotel that is filled with old charm and character whilst boasting brilliant service and everything that you could need for a fantastic golf holiday, then look no further than the lovely Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf and Spa. For a limited time only, if you are looking to book the Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf and Spa between November this year and October next year then you will receive up to two nights and two rounds on the fantastic Golf do Estoril course…

Last, but certainly not least, is the Evolutee Royal Obidos Hotel and Spa. Unsurprisingly, this resort was the winner of the IAGTO Best Resort in Europe in 2015 and also the Best Course in Portugal in 2015 and this resort has only improved since then. The hotel only opened its doors in 2014 and has quickly become one of Golf Escape’s favourites with brilliant service, excellent golf and great facilities. Spend your days playing golf on the many local golf courses including Bom Sucesso, Praia d’el Rey, Royal Obidos, Campo Real and West Cliffs Golf Links or relaxing on the beach or in the hotel’s extensive spa. The hotel is situated on the stunning Silver Coast just over an hour from the bustling city of Lisbon. If you are looking for a lovely boutique hotel which boasts a stunning 18-hole, award-winning golf course as well as many local golf courses, a great spa onsite then look no further than the Evolutee Royal Obidos Hotel and Spa for your next golf holiday to Portugal.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that next time you are looking for a luxurious golf escape, look no further than one of these brilliant resorts…

Murcia Special

by Ella Ruben

This week’s blog is a guide to the brilliant resorts and golf that you can enjoy if you decide to take your next golf break to the stunning region of Murcia which lies in the South East corner of Spain which boasts warm temperatures for most of the year which makes it a prime golfing destination. The flight to Murcia is a short one and possible from most of the UK’s regional airports which means that whether you are looking for a short golf break or a long relaxing golf escape, Murcia is the perfect place for you.

The TRYP Murcia Rincon de Pepe is a fantastic four-star resort which boasts a fantastic location situated in the centre of Murcia, just 100 yards from the beautiful Murcia Cathedral which means that you have a prime position from which to explore this historic and interesting Spanish city and all that it has to offer. The hotel boasts a number of amenities for you to enjoy including the on-site fitness centre and of course, the Gran Casino Murcia which includes all of the mainstream casino games like Poker, blackjack and roulette. Each of the bright guestrooms is decorated with a modern décor and fitted with all of the amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar as well as free toiletries. As the hotel boasts such a brilliant position, you can explore the great bars and restaurants of the city of Murcia but if you choose to dine in the hotel, you won’t be disappointed. The hotel offers two great restaurants, the Rincon de Pepe Restaurant boasts a classic style with an a la carte Mediterranean style menu. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more informal atmosphere at the La Barra del Rincon Restaurant which serves delicious Spanish tapas which you can enjoy in the outdoor dining area. If you are looking for somewhere with some superb golf within close proximity of the hotel as well as the beautiful city of Murcia right on your doorstep then look no further than this fantastic four-star hotel which boasts everything that you could need or want for a brilliant golf escape.

Lorca Golf course is situated close to the historic and pretty town of Lorca and is one of the many golf courses that you could enjoy during your stay at the fantastic TRYP Murcia Rincon de Pepe. The course is a par 71 and was designed by Dave Thomas and Jorge Soler with undulating greens and many strategically placed bunkers which can cause for this course to pose a challenge to golfers of all abilities. The course only opened in 2011 which means that it is considered to be relatively new to the area, but it has a blossoming reputation due to the quality of the course and the quality of the standard of service that you receive whilst at the golf club. The club also boasts a very special position as not only is it easily accessible from local areas, but it is the only golf course in Murcia that runs alongside at Protected Natural Park. This is a brilliant golf course with a very interesting layout and a stunning position – one that should not be passed up on when you are enjoying a golf break to this lovely region.

Roda Golf is just over a kilometre from Mar Menor Beach and five minutes from the resort of Los Alcazares where there are shops, bars and restaurants. There is a large selection of different apartments and villas to rent which are all within walking distance of the fantastic 18-hole Dave Thomas designed Roda Golf course. All of the apartments boast fully-equipped kitchens as well as seating areas and a TV. There are plenty of local activities for you to enjoy including the swimming pools within the resort, watersports at the beach and of course, the fantastic golf. The resort’s clubhouse boasts a great bar and restaurant which offers free Wi-Fi and a beautiful outdoor seating area with great views over the resort and the golf course. Roda Golf course is a brilliant and interesting course which was built on flat land, so the challenges come from the various strategically placed water hazards and bunkers. If you are looking for a great golf escape to this beautiful region where you can self-cater whilst soaking up the great local activities and beaches, then look no further than Roda Golf.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and with the weather warming up in the UK now, we hope that you are thinking about how you might get some extra sunshine come the Autumn time when the days are drawing in here…with over 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, the region of Murcia sounds like a sensible option for your next golf escape…